Testing an AK Chambered in .50 BMG

Published on February 2, 2022
Duration: 15:49

This video details the experimental modification of an AK-style shotgun to chamber and fire .50 BMG rounds, highlighting the extreme pressures involved. The custom build, dubbed 'AK-50 V2.5', featured a precisely fitted .50 BMG barrel. Despite initial survival in a loosely fitted JTS-12, the custom build experienced a violent catastrophic failure, proving an AK receiver cannot handle the full pressure of the .50 BMG round.

Quick Summary

The 'AK-50 V2.5' experiment tested an AK-style shotgun modified to fire .50 BMG rounds with a precisely fitted barrel. Unlike a previous JTS-12 that survived due to loose chamber fit, this custom build experienced a violent catastrophic failure, proving AK receivers cannot handle the full pressure of .50 BMG.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introducing the AK-50 V2.5 Experiment
  2. 00:44Previous .50 BMG Shotgun Tests
  3. 02:17Building the Custom .50 BMG AK
  4. 04:22Safety Setup for Extreme Test
  5. 05:34Predicting the Failure Point
  6. 07:47The .50 BMG AK Explodes!
  7. 08:15Assessing the Damage
  8. 12:07Scientific Conclusion on Pressure Limits

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'AK-50 V2.5' experiment?

The 'AK-50 V2.5' was an experimental build by Brandon Herrera, modifying an AK-style shotgun to fire .50 BMG rounds. It featured a custom-fitted .50 BMG barrel designed to test the receiver's ability to handle the extreme pressure of the larger caliber.

Why did the previous JTS-12 shotgun survive firing .50 BMG?

The JTS-12 survived because its chamber had a loose fit for the .50 BMG cartridge. This loose fit allowed pressure to escape as the brass casing fireformed to the 12-gauge chamber, preventing a catastrophic failure.

What happened when the 'AK-50 V2.5' was fired?

During the remote test firing, the 'AK-50 V2.5' experienced a massive catastrophic failure. The firearm exploded violently, sending shrapnel across the range, demonstrating the receiver's inability to contain the .50 BMG pressure.

What was the main conclusion of the .50 BMG AK test?

The test proved that while a loosely fitted shotgun might survive .50 BMG due to pressure leaks, a properly chambered AK receiver cannot handle the full, contained pressure of the round. The experiment highlighted the critical importance of proper chamber fit and pressure containment.

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